Canon MP610 Pixma printer will not print text.

[7leagueboot]

This applies to emails, PDF's, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. However, if I convert the document to an image it prints perfectly. So far, I have replaced the black cartridges, reinstalled the driver, cleaned the heads, and restored Windows to 2 days ago just before this problem began, but still no change. Any ideas please?

 

[maxie]

Hi there .... Have you done a printers self test ? Also what happens if you change the colour of the text ?

 

[7leagueboot]

Yes, I ran the diagnostic utility and everything printed correctly on the test sheet. I have not attempted to change the colour of the text because that would only be a workaround for a document I created myself. In this case I need to print out invoices received in PDF format.

 

[maxie]

Which PDF printer program you are using ? Have you tried using another one ?

 

[7leagueboot]

I use Nitro PDF v8.0 but have also tried Nitro PDF reader v3.0. But it is not the PDF software that is the cause because the same thing happens when trying to print text in mails, Word, Excel, and even Notepad. Strangely, it has no problem printing images including the colour black.

 

[maxie]

Yeah very strange indeed ..... Dont suppose you have any older Restore points you could use

 

[7leagueboot]

I do have but before trying that I should point out that I have just effected a deep flushing of the heads and after testing again there is absolutely no sign of the colour black, not even in images. I'm thinking maybe the heads are dead. What do you think?

 

[maxie]

Could well be .... Try another self test .... If you have more Black ink replace it ..... Where did you get your Ink from ?

 

[7leagueboot]

The cartridges are genuine Canon. Running the self test has drained the large one by 25% and the smaller one by approx 15% but it still won't print black. As it is 2 years old now I suppose replacing the head is no longer an option?

 

[maxie]

I would imagine the cost of replacing the head would be high .... Also have to consider that it might just not solve the problem ..... Printers are not that expensive its the Ink is the problem .... How ever if you do decide to replace the printer .... And you do a lot of printing if i was you i would consider a Laser printer.

 

[7leagueboot]

Very good point! Right, I will try restoring to an earlier date just to see if that makes any difference. If it changes nothing I will look for a good colour laser printer. Any recommandations?

 

[maxie]

I prefer Brother printers .... That is just my opinion .... Check out the cost of the toners before you buy ... There are many good makes ... Take your time and shop around for the best price